Creation of IATF signals PRRD’s strong commitment to federalism

By: DILG PR (PNA)

MANILA — The birth of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Federalism and Constitutional Reform signals President Rodrigo Duterte’s full commitment to federalism, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año said Thursday.

“As the head agency tasked by President Duterte to advocate for federalism, we are happy with the creation of the interagency task force. This is clear evidence that the President is true to his promise for lasting change in the country,” Año said in a news release.

Año said the DILG expects public support for federalism to skyrocket by the end of 2018 with the formation of the IATF.

On Oct. 31, 2018, Malacañang issued Memorandum Circular No. 52 signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, creating the IATF to spread public awareness on federalism.

With the DILG at the head and the Department of Justice as Vice Chair, the IATF is comprised of the Office of the Cabinet Secretary, Presidential Management Staff, Presidential Communications Operations Office, Office of the Presidential Spokesperson, Presidential Legislative Liaison Office, Office of the Political Adviser, Commission on Higher Education, Development Academy of the Philippines and the University of the Philippines Law Center.

The IATF is also tasked to “liaise with Congress” to remove all roadblocks that hamper constitutional reform.

DILG Assistant Secretary Jonathan Malaya said the IATF will bolster the federalism public awareness drive that the DILG is currently working on.

“We need all of government aboard this advocacy in order to properly and effectively disseminate correct information on federalism. And as the Chair of the IATF, the DILG will continue to uphold and further raise the banner for federalism in its advocacy to shift from a unitary form of government to a federal setup,” Malaya said.

He said the IATF will push for the Consultative Committee’s (ConCom) draft Bayanihan Federal Constitution and will process the comments received from the public on the proposal.

He added that the task force will also consult with the ConCom, different government agencies, private sector and the public on matters concerning federalism and constitutional reform.

“Federalism is not dead. Federalism is just getting started. Watch and see the birth of a new form of government,” Malaya said. 

Popular

Sharp decline in June 2025 food inflation, proof that gov’t interventions work — DEPDev

By Brian Campued The Marcos administration’s whole-of-government approach to “boost local production, improve logistics, and implement calibrated trade and biosecurity measures” have helped tame food...

TD Bising intensifies; Wind Signal No. 1 up in extreme Northern Luzon

By Brian Campued Tropical Depression Bising slightly intensified over the sea west of extreme Northern Luzon, the state weather bureau said Friday. In its 11:00 a.m....

WALANG PASOK: Class suspensions for July 4 due to heavy rains

Classes in the following areas have been suspended on Friday, July 4, due to the impact of the southwest monsoon (habagat) and the...

PBBM to study DILG Sec. Remulla’s request to declare class suspensions

By Brian Campued Malacañang on Thursday assured Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Sec. Jonvic Remulla that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will...